Application specific connection module

ABSTRACT

Embodiments of the present invention comprise an application-driven connection module that maintains network connectivity to at least one application server and enables only intended applications to operate between the client and the server.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims priority to U.S. provisional applicationNo. 60/583,765, entitled “Controlling Use of a Mobile Work Station Basedon Network Environment,” filed on Jun. 28, 2004, U.S. provisionalapplication No. 60/598,364 entitled “Systems and Methods for Enhancingand Optimizing a User's Experience on an Electronic Device,” filed onAug. 3, 2004, U.S. provisional application No. 60/653411 entitled“Creating an Environment for Secure Mobile Access Anywhere” filed onFeb. 16, 2005 to Sanda et al., and U.S. provisional application No.60/652,121 entitled “Remote Access Services” filed on Feb. 11, 2005 toSanda et al.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates generally to computing, telecommunication, andelectronic devices. More specifically, the invention relates to networkconnectivity.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

More and more individuals require connectivity to networks such as theInternet for an ever-increasing variety of reasons. The recent advent ofsufficiently small processing power, memory, display and batteryendurance, coupled with an increasing presence of wirelesscommunications services, has allowed mobile computing to be accomplishedmore effectively and efficiently, whether on a notebook or laptopcomputer, a Personal Digital Assistant (“PDA”), telecommunicationsdevices, or other platforms. The increasing ubiquity of mobile computingand the need for connectivity, primarily wireless connectivity, has ledto the proliferation of portable computers capable of connecting tonetworks in a variety of ways. These portable computers often contain atleast one interface to several types of networks such as LANS, dial upmodems, Wi-Fi wireless local area networks (WLANs), and wireless widearea networks (WWANs).

Historically, portable electronic devices and plug in componentsoffering connectivity to at least one network have lacked thefunctionality to efficiently and effectively manage resources andnetwork connections. These devices have failed to deal adequately withissues such as managing continuous connectivity using multipleconnection options without excessive user interaction. Devices,software, or business arrangements have not been available that offerconsumers convenient and flexible connectivity options as explained inmore detail in U.S. non-provisional application No. [55132/316925],entitled “Systems and Methods for Enhancing and Optimizing a User'sExperience on an Electronic Device,” filed concurrently herewith, whichis incorporated herein in its entirety by reference. Moreover, priordevices, software, and business arrangements do not offer secured,software-solution specific connectivity.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Certain embodiments of the present invention provide a connection modulesuch as a telecom battery. This module may include an interface forconnection to an electronic device, a transceiver for communicating witha plurality of networks, a communication manager for establishingnetwork connections, and an access module for maintaining airtimeallotments for the plurality of networks.

Certain embodiments of the present invention relate to anapplication-driven connection module that includes an amount of networkconnectivity, a transport service module, and an access module thatmaintains communication with an application server and enables onlycertain intended software to operate between the client and the server.Certain embodiments of the present invention relate to methods ofextending an application to extra-internet environment throughapplication-driven connection modules.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the presentinvention are better understood when the following Detailed Descriptionis read with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 illustrates a functional block diagram of a system in accordancewith one embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 2 a-c illustrate various connection modules in accordance withcertain embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 3 illustrates a flow diagram of a method in accordance with oneembodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 4 illustrates a functional block diagram of a system in accordancewith one embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF SPECIFIC EMBODIMENTS

Certain embodiments of the present invention are physical connectionmodules, also referred to as telecom batteries. These devices are usedto add network connectivity capability to an electronic device such as amobile computer, a PDA, a digital camera, a music player, or a vendingmachine by providing at least one connection to one or more networks,whether physical connections or wireless. A connection module mayprovide connections by including the necessary software, hardware,and/or airtime to connect to one or more carrier networks. Theconnection module may also be used to add additional networkconnectivity capabilities to an electronic device already having somenetwork connectivity abilities. Certain embodiments of the presentinvention relate to application-driven connection modules that allowclients to have network connectivity to an application server and enableonly the intended software application to operate between the clientsand the server.

Exemplary Client Devices, Systems, and Environments

FIG. 1 illustrates a functional block diagram of client devices 120a-120 n operating in network environments in accordance with variousembodiments of the present invention. Client devices 120 a-120 n may beused by users 110 a-110 n for a variety of purposes and reasons. Inaddition to local system resource requirements, a client device 120 amay have various remote access or network connection requirements. Forexample, a user, such as user 110 a using client device 120 a, maydesire to use or run local applications 128 residing in the memory 126of the user's client device 120 a or may desire to remotely runapplications or retrieve information residing on remote devicesaccessible on or through various networks 105. A server 140 may providean application that is made available to clients, such as client 120 a,through connection module devices, such as connection module 130.

In general, a client device 120 a-n and a server 140 may use anysuitable type of processor-based platform 124, 144, and typically willinclude a processor 122 coupled to a computer-readable medium, such asmemory 124, and include hardware and user interface components. Thecomputer readable medium can contain program code that can be executedby the processor. It can be used to store information and applicationssuch as client applications 128 in the case of the client 120 a andserver applications 148 in the case of the server 140. The client device120 a and server may also each include an operating system that controlsthe system resources and provides a user interface.

The client devices 120 a-n themselves may have differingcharacteristics. The client devices 120 a-n may include cell phonedevices, mobile phone devices, smart phone devices, pagers, notebookcomputers, personal computers, digital assistants, personal digitalassistants, digital tablets, laptop computers, Internet appliances,blackberry devices, Bluetooth devices, standard telephone devices, faxmachines, other suitable computing devices, or virtually any othersuitable electronic device. Additional components in the client devicesmay differ and provide various functionalities.

The networks 105 are not limited to any particular type of network norare they limited to a single network. For example, the networks 105could include the Internet, a LAN, a WAN, a private network, a virtualnetwork, and/or any combination of network types. The client device 120a-120 n and server 140 may be connected to networks 105 in a variety ofways. Such connections may be through virtually any type of network,line, or wireless connection type. For example, the connection accessoptions 138 could involve local area networks (“LANs”), dial up modems,Wi-Fi, wireless local area networks (WLANs), wireless wide area networks(WWANs), or cellular.

A connection module 130 may provide connection options 138 that allowthe client 120 a to connect to the networks 105. The connection options138 may allow access on a number of networks and/or through a number ofnetwork connectivity providers. Thus, generally, a connection module 130may be a module used to add network connectivity capability to anelectronic device by providing or facilitating one or more connectionsto one or more networks, whether through a physical connection or awireless connection. A connection module 130 may provide, allow, orsupport Internet access over wireless and/or wired connections. Theconnection module 130 may include one or more transceivers for wirelessconnections. A connection module 130 generally will include, among otherthings, memory 132 and software or hardware to allow and/or managenetwork connectivity. The memory 132 may include information about theamount of network connectivity available 134 (e.g. airtime) andapplications to manage the connections such as a connection manager 136.The connection module 130 may include network connectivity componentssuch as telecommunications components and may be used to add additionalnetwork connectivity options to a client 120 a already having somenetwork connectivity abilities.

Connection Module

FIGS. 2 a, 2 b and 2 c depict various connection modules 204, 210, 220that may be inserted into, attached to, or otherwise made a part of aclient device 202. The connection module 210 illustrated in FIG. 2 bincludes time available 212 and a connection manager 214. The connectionmodule 220 illustrated in FIG. 2 c shows a connection module accordingto certain embodiments that may include a variety of differentfunctional components, including a device interface 222, a communicationmodule 226, an access module 228, and/or a system resource module 230. Aphysical connection module may have an interface for physicallyconnecting to an electronic device, a communication module forestablishing network connectivity, and an access module for monitoringand/or controlling network connectivity. The connection module may alsoinclude one or more transceivers 224. Different embodiments of aconnection module according to the present invention may include some orall of these components as well as additional components andfunctionality.

FIG. 3 shows one aspect of the present invention as a method of addingnetwork connectivity capability 300 to an electronic device. This method300 involves using a connection module in an electronic device toconnect the electronic device to a network using an availableconnection.

Block 302 illustrates installing a connection module capable ofconnecting to a network through a plurality of connections. Theconnection module may be installed in the electronic device at time ofassembly of the electronic device (i.e. during manufacture), by asubsequent supply chain member (i.e. as an add-on component) prior toend customer purchase, or by the end customer or user (i.e. by separatepurchase). The connection module may be integrally associated orinserted with other hardware components, such as part of a processingchip of an electronic device, or may be removably inserted like a PCMCIAcard.

In block 304, the electronic device is connected to the network throughone of the connections available on the connection module. Theconnection module could offer multiple connection types of the same ordifferent types of communications or it could offer only one type. Inthis block, a connection is established through one of the availableconnections.

A connection module may include an amount of network connectivity. Forexample, a connection module could store a variable with an amount ofnetwork connectivity time (e.g. in minutes) or a variable with an amountof network connectivity data transmission potential (e.g. in Megabytes).As network connectivity is used, the variable value may be decreasedaccordingly. As a more specific example, a connection module couldinclude an amount of network connectivity in the form of an amount ofairtime (e.g. prepaid airtime, airtime associated with a customeraccount, etc.). The ability of the connection module to include anamount of network connectivity or airtime has many technical andcommercial advantages. Specifically, a connection module provider canuse this ability to add value to the services provided by atelecommunication network carrier. These value added aspects include theability to simplify payment, to simplify use of the services, and tobundle multiple connection options together. Accordingly, a connectionmodule provider may act as a reseller of airtime for one ore moretelecommunication network carrier and add value to the services providedby these carriers. For example, the provider of the connection modulecan buy airtime at a flat rate from a wireless carrier, and then meteror sell the airtime per minute at a marked up rate as capacity with aconnection module. The connection module can include a set capacity forairtime corresponding to a dollar amount regardless of which carriersthe connection module chooses to select for various calls orcommunications. Alternatively, the user can buy the connection modulewith an account for which he or she provides his or her credit cardnumber; whenever it is running low on airtime, the connection module canaccess the user's credit card account and pre-purchase a set or desiredincrement of time. The connection module can also have access to anumber of credit card accounts of the user, and may choose which accountto use depending on factors having to do with the credit card accountssuch as interest rate, frequent user credits, promotions, and otherrelevant factors.

A connection module provides advantages in the area of payment becausethe payment for the network connectivity services can be associated withthe cost of the connection module. The purchaser of the connectionmodule is able to pay for the services in a manner that is mostconvenient for her. For, example, a purchaser may select a connectionmodule that has prepaid network connectivity services for one, six,twelve, or twenty-four months. Another purchaser may select a connectionmodule that has airtime or network connectivity charges that are paidperiodically based on usage. These charges can be automatically billedto the purchaser's credit card.

A connection module may also provide value added advantages by improvingthe ease of use of the network connectivity services. When a connectionmodule includes the necessary software, hardware, and amount of networkconnectivity, these components can be managed to provide a convenient,simple to use, interface for the user. A resource manager can providethis management ability and user interface. A connection module may alsoadd value by bundling multiple connection options together into onedevice. Users require access to networks at different times, indifferent places, and in different ways. A connection module can includemultiple network connectivity options to account for a user's variousneeds. In addition, a connection module may coordinate and manage theuse of these options.

A connection module may also be called a telecom battery because it maybe plugged into or included as part of an electronic device. Used inthis manner, a connection module is analogous to an electric battery.Just as an electric battery can be plugged into an electronic device toadd electricity to the device, a connection module may be plugged intoan electronic device to add network connection capability such as, forexample, a PCMCIA card. For example, a plug-in type connection modulecan be bought by an end consumer at a retail outlet and plugged into theuser's PDA, computer, or other electronic device, addingtelecommunication ability to the device. Alternatively, rather thanplugging into an electronic device, a connection module can be includedas a component of an electronic device prior to sale of the device tothe consumer. For example, if the connection module is included in a PDAby the PDA manufacturer or OEM, the product may have telecommunicationability available at the time of purchase. Such communication abilitymay be associated with one or more accounts with one or moretelecommunication providers.

Connection modules can also be specialized for certain applications. Avariety of different connection modules satisfy various functions ofspecific applications just as there are different sizes and power levelsof electric batteries. For example, the telecommunication requirementsof a given digital camera may be very different than thetelecommunication requirements of a PDA. Different connection modulesmay be used to satisfy these different requirements.

Connection modules also allow network connectivity costs to be minimizedto the requirements of the application and allow these cost savings tobe passed on to the users. One example is to price the connection modulebased on the imposition on network capacity that the specificapplication will require. For smaller data amounts and slower speedrequirements a cheaper connection module can be offered. Likewise, ifthe data direction is in the up link direction a cheaper connectionmodule may be offered if network connectivity costs in that directionare less expensive to provide.

One connection module embodiment provides for the packaged sale oftelecommunication with either general or application specifictelecommunication capabilities. The price of the connection modules mayreflect the length of time the connection module will providetelecommunications. For example, a one-month connection module, asix-month connection module, a twelve-month connection module, and atwenty-four-month connection module may be available at differentprices. The price of the connection module may also reflect theapplication for which the connection module will be used or the user'spreferences. One user may prefer higher speeds for a given applicationthan another. Another user may prefer lower costs to higher speeds.

A connection module may be sold in the same stores that sell portablecomputers and other electronic devices. This provides convenience for acustomer who can purchase a connection module at the same store shepurchased her notebook computer. The connection module can be packagedas an electronic device and a compact disc that allows the connectionmodule to be used for the purchase period. For example, the compact disccan allow use of a connection module for one, six, twelve, ortwenty-four months depending on the user's preference. These four timeperiods are used for purposes of demonstration and are not meant tolimit the invention. Other time periods and marketing promotions areenvisioned. The sale of network connectivity capability and capacity aspart of a hardware component allows all of the sales and marketingadvantages inherent in hardware promotion to be used in addition to thesales and marketing techniques available for telecommunications andother network connectivity services.

In certain embodiments, the connection manager can be viewed as abattery of prepaid or pre-acquired network connectivity. The consumerexpends the network connectivity (for example the time available 212shown in FIG. 2 b) stored on the connection module when the user or anapplication running on the user's device connects to the network throughthe connection manager. It should be noted that sign-on, and/orauthorization, authentication may be accomplished automatically and/orwithout the user's input or knowledge. The amount of networkconnectivity (e.g. time available) that is consumed by networkconnectivity may depend on a variety of factors. For example, the amountof network connectivity consumed may depend upon the type of connection(WWAN, WLAN, LAN, Dial-up, etc.), usage time, and amount of data,time-of-day usage, among other factors. Accordingly, some access may befree, some access cheap, and other access expensive in terms of usage ofthe stored network connectivity. A user may view the current status ofthe amount of network connectivity remaining on the connection moduleand may be notified when the amount of network connectivity remaininghits a low threshold or is close to expiration. The user may choose torefill, recharge, or otherwise re-acquire network connectivity on theconnection module. Connection to the network may be automatic or theuser may select from connection options effecting the connectioncharacteristics (speed, etc.) and connection module (use of the storedamount of network connectivity). Accordingly, one of the many advantagesof certain embodiments of the connection module is to make Internetaccess simple for a consumer by allowing automatic connection andnetwork sign-on, providing consumer electronics with connection moduleswith a stored amount of network connectivity, and by providing animproved user experience. Other advantages result from the use ofcertain embodiments of the connection module with certain embodiments ofthe resource manager.

A resource manager, such as the resource manager discussed in U.S.patent application No. [55132/316925] to Sanda, entitled “Systems andMethods for Enhancing and Optimizing a User's Experience on anElectronic Device,” filed concurrently herewith, the entirety of whichis incorporated herein by reference, may also be used to facilitate theuse of a connection module to provide a connection to a network throughchanging network connectivity connection types. An electronic device mayhave multiple network communication options. These options may beprovided by a connection module and/or by other components of theelectronic device. The resource manager can control and utilize anappropriate network communication option automatically, based onuser-defined criteria, or upon approval by the user after presenting theuser with an array of options. In addition, the resource manager may beused to maintain a connection using several data streams or packetstreams and can filter or accelerate the flow of data based on therequirements of the application to provide optimal connection to thenetwork. In other words, the user can experience a continuous or nearcontinuous connection to the network in accordance with theirpreferences even when the resource manager is adjusting, managing, andswitching among different network communication options. For example, asa mobile user moves about using a portable electronic device containinga connection module, different network communication options may becomeavailable or preferable. The resource manager can switch to anappropriate connection when it becomes available or preferable with orwithout the user's interaction.

The resource manager may also facilitate the ability of an applicationspecific connection module on a more general-purpose machine.Accordingly, the resource manager can deal with the potential problem ofan application specific connection module being used to provide networkconnectivity for another purpose on a general-purpose electronic device.Specifically, the resource manager has the ability to restrict theuser's access to the more general functions that may be available on anelectronic device while the connection module is in use. This may beaccomplished, for example, by using a user interface that does not allowthe user to access applications outside of the user interface. The useris locked-out of restricted functions.

Process for Remote Control and Regulation

There are many remote control and remote monitoring advantages thatresult when a resource manager is used with a connection module. Theseadvantages include the ability to manage upgrades on remote portabledevices, the ability to monitor and use location information for theportable device, the ability to remotely control applications, and theability to enable and simplify data recovery and continuity when atelecommunication channel is interrupted.

The resource manager allows for the management of upgrades on remoteportable devices in a secure environment. This upgrade functionalityextends across all applications. The resource manager can keep track ofthe applications available on a remote device, keep track of theproviders of those applications, keep track of when the applications arechanged and when upgrades are available, and keep track of how differentupgrades are performed. With these capabilities, the resource managercan perform upgrades on a push or pull basis. The remote portable devicecan recognize and initiate its own upgrade procedure or an upgrade canbe initiated elsewhere on the network. For example, a company wishing toroll out a new software upgrade to all of its sales associates in thefield can initiate and manage such an upgrade using the resourcemanager. The company can also use the resource manager to send upgradesout to a specific remote machine by using the connection module toidentify the appropriate remote portable device.

Using a resource manager with a connection module may provide theability to monitor the location of a remote portable device. Thislocation information is useful to both the remote, portable deviceitself and to companies wishing to track the location of their portablecomputers in the field. The remote, portable device can use the locationinformation on the device and on its local applications. For example, aresource manager can use this information to change the time when a timezone is crossed. As another example, a resource manager can change thetelecommunications options or preferences as the user's locationchanges.

Companies may also use the location information available with the useof connection modules. For example, when remote portable devices areaccessing a company's network, a resource manager on each of thesedevices can communicate the location information to appropriate companypersonnel or devices. This location information can be used in a varietyof ways by the company, such as identifying which sales associate orfield technician is currently closest to one of the company's clients orcustomers. Such information may be very useful in the event of acustomer emergency that required, for example, a visit from a technicianto perform tests using a specific diagnostic software application. Thecompany can identify both an appropriate field technician in theproximate location to the emergency and can also determine whether theportable device carried by that person contained the necessarydiagnostic software.

Using a resource manager with a connection module may also provide theability to remotely control a portable device associated with a company.For example, the company can use a resource manager to ensure that theportable device is not used to download pornography. As another example,in the event the portable device is stolen or an employee carrying aportable device is terminated, a resource manager can be used toremotely delete confidential information saved on the portable device.

Process for Data Recovery

A resource manager may also provide data recovery and protection againstthe loss of data. This ability is useful when a resource manager is usedwith a connection module. A resource manager may capture information inthe event that a telecommunication channel is interrupted ordiscontinued. For example, if a removable connection module is pulledout while a user is working on a remote network application, theresource manager may capture and/or save the information. When anotherconnection to the network is established, the resource manager providesthe captured information. This data recovery function prevents or atleast minimizes data loss associated with lost and interruptedconnections.

Furthermore, this function allows for the continuous use of networkapplications even through changing communication channels. The resourcemanager accomplishes this function by capturing the necessaryinformation when a connection through one connection option isterminated and restoring the data to the application when anotherconnection is established to the network through the same or anotherconnection option. These features offer the additional benefits ofsimplifying the user's experience by automating a continuous networkconnection.

Application Driven Connection Module

Referring now to FIG. 4, certain embodiments of the present inventionrelate to an application-driven connection module 430 that maintainsnetwork connectivity with at least one application server 440 overnetworks 405 and enables only the intended software applications 422,442 to operate between the client 420 and the server(s) 440. Forexample, in certain embodiments the connection module includes an amountof network connectivity, a transport service module for enabling networkconnectivity to at least one server through one of a plurality ofconnection types, and an access module that enables one applicationoffered by the at least one server, wherein the network connectivity islimited to access related to the at least one application.

In certain embodiments the connection module 430 will include atransport service module 432, e.g. 3G-WCDMA, Cellular, PHS, and Wi-Fi(802.11x), and an access module 434. The connection module 430 mayoptionally contain one or more transceivers 436. In other embodimentsthe communication module 430 does not contain a transceiver, but insteaduses transceivers and/or other connection devices associated with theclient 420. The connection module may include an amount of networkconnectivity (e.g. prepaid airtime) as with other connection modulesdescribed herein. The amount of network connectivity may be tailored toparticular application requirements.

In certain embodiments, the connection module enables and allows onlysoftware or application specific network connectivity within a corporatenetwork through the use of an access module configured to only allowaccess to one or more specified application server(s) in that corporatenetwork

In certain embodiments, the access module is set to only operate on anend-to-end basis maintaining maximum security utilizing firewall andport controls between the client (outside of the corporate Intranet) andthe application server in the corporate data center. Accordingly, theclient is virtually connected within the Intranet or LAN even though itis physically located on the outside. Personal firewall, VPN, and virusdetection systems may be integrated with the access functionalityplatform. Thus, connection to the corporate servers via any desiredtransports may be restricted such that such connection is only allowedor enabled when a secured environment is fully established andconfirmed. A secured environment may include the protection of theclient and servers from virus, intrusion and/or attack.

In certain hosted embodiments, corporate servers will be physicallyhosted by a third party other than the user and the business entityoperating the Intranet, although the third party and business entityoperating the Intranet may be connected through a dedicated line. Otherconfigurations of hosted security or ASP configuration are of coursepossible. In certain embodiments, the server resides at a data centeroperated by the connection module provider. In other embodiments, theserver resides at the provider of the application.

The connection module of certain embodiments enables the intendedapplication to operate between the client and the server. In addition tolimiting access to only the software, the access module enables theremote user access to the corporate applications as if he/she was in theoffice by integrating network connectivity control, application accesscontrol, port control, authentication, etc. The access module may beused to control the access of the user to other solutions on the client.In this manner, the cost of the transport service can be pricedaccording to the data transport requirement of the application. Theaccess module may also use optimization tools to improve the userexperience. For example, optimization tools may be based upon variousaccretion techniques and/or provide ease of use in network hopping andauto-authentication.

Methods of Extending an Application to Extra-Intranet Environments

Certain embodiments of the present invention relate to methods ofextending an application to an extra-intranet environment (i.e. outsidea corporate network or domain) through application-driven connectionmodules. These methods may enable software companies who market softwareapplications to enhance and extend the reach of their products toextra-intranet environments. For example, the use of document sharingsoftware, which controls access at a central location for selected datafiles, may be extended to users who are not directly connected to thecorporate network on which the central location resides. In thisillustrative scenario, each user to whom the software provider'scustomer wishes to extend remote access to the central location would begiven a branded connection module. The connection module could have theability to provide integrated Wi-Fi, WWAN, and/or LAN connectivity,and/or could take advantage of the network interface modules that existson the remote device. In certain embodiments, the connection modulephysically connects to the remote device via a USB, PCMCIA, Bluetooth,or other existing interface. The connection module could take over thecommunications infrastructure and user interface of the remote deviceand provide connectivity only to the network resource and software towhich it was configured to provide access and allow operating systemresource access only to those services and applications to which it wasconfigured to allow access. Once access to the shared resource andsoftware is complete, the connection module could be removed from theremote device and the remote device would return to its normal state. Inthe process of this activity, the connection module could consumeportions of its pre-paid network connectivity allotment, and provide theability to “recharge” the amount of pre-paid network connectivity whendepleted (possibly through a web interface).

As another example, in certain embodiments, the application-drivenconnection module might be used to package a hardware-independent emailservice (such as “Blackberry” service) which would work on anytelecommunications platform. In other words, a user of an email servicecould purchase the service from a company independent of a particularcommunications platform. That user could obtain connection modules thatoperate on specific platforms. When the user wishes to use the emailservice, the user could insert the appropriate connection module intothe remote device. The connection module could take over thecommunications infrastructure, security infrastructure, and userinterface of the remote device to allow the email service to operate.Once finished, the user could remove the telecom battery and the remotedevice would return it its normal operation. Based on the user's usage,the telecom battery could expend a portion of the network connectivity,and would allow the user the ability to “recharge” the battery asrequired.

Alternative Embodiments

The structures and processes described above illustrate exemplaryembodiments of inventive concepts included in the present invention.Other systems and processes are possible. While the invention has beendescribed in detail with particular references to these particularembodiments, variations and modifications can be affected within thespirit and scope of the invention as described in this document.

1. A connection module for use with a client device, the connectionmodule comprising: an amount of network connectivity; a transportservice module for enabling network connectivity to at least one serverthrough one of a plurality of connection types; and an access modulethat enables at least one application offered by the at least oneserver; wherein the network connectivity is limited to access related tothe at least one application.
 2. The connection module of claim 1,wherein the at least one application is a single application.
 3. Theconnection module of claim 1, further comprising at least onetransceiver.
 4. The connection module of claim 1, wherein the connectionmodule does not include a transceiver.
 5. The connection module of claim1, wherein the network connectivity is pre-paid airtime.
 6. Theconnection module of claim 5, wherein the price of the prepaid airtimeis based on requirements of the at least one application.
 7. Theconnection module of claim 1, wherein the access module further providessecurity for the provision of the at least one application.
 8. Theconnection module of claim 7, wherein the access module providessecurity using a firewall.
 9. The connection module of claim 7, whereinthe access module provides security using port controls.
 10. Theconnection module of claim 7, wherein the access module providessecurity using a VPN.
 11. The connection module of claim 1, wherein theaccess module only enables network connectivity when a securedenvironment is confirmed.
 12. A system comprising a client device and atleast one server wherein the client device is connected to a connectionmodule comprising: an amount of network connectivity; a transportservice module for enabling network connectivity to the at least oneserver through one of a plurality of connection types; and an accessmodule that enables at least one application offered by the at least oneserver, wherein the network connectivity is limited to access related tothe at least one application.
 13. The system of claim 12, wherein the atleast one server is part of a corporate network and the client device islocated outside of the corporate network.
 14. The system of claim 12,wherein the client device is virtually connected to a corporate networkcontaining the at least one server.
 15. The system of claim 12, whereinthe at least one application relates to a first entity; and the at leastone server is physically hosted by a second entity.
 16. The system ofclaim 14, wherein the first entity and second entity are connected by adedicated line.
 17. The system of claim 12, wherein the at least oneserver reside at a data center.
 18. The system of claim 16, wherein thedata center is operated by a connection module provider.
 19. The systemof claim 16, wherein the data center is operated by a provider of the atleast one application.
 20. The system of claim 11, wherein the at leastone application is a single application.
 21. The system of claim 11,wherein the access module optimizes performance of the application. 22.A method of providing an application comprising: providing a serveroffering an application for use by at least one client device, whereinthe server is connected to an Intranet; providing a client devicelocated remote to the Intranet; and providing a connection module at theclient device, the connection module comprising an amount of networkconnectivity, a transport service module for enabling networkconnectivity to the server and an access module that allows access toonly one application.
 23. The method of claim 22, wherein theapplication is document sharing software, wherein the applicationcontrols access to selected files.
 24. A method of selling anapplication comprising selling client software, server software, and atleast one application-driven connection module under the same brandname.
 25. The method of claim 23, wherein the software, the serversoftware, and the at least one application-driven connection modules aresold as a package.
 26. The method of claim 24, wherein the connectionmodule includes prepaid airtime.
 27. The method of claim 25, furthercomprising selling additional airtime to recharge the connection module.